Here’s Who Is Taking Over Echo Park’s Soon-to-Close Staple Restaurant the Park

New details have emerged around the upcoming closure of longtime Echo Park restaurant the Park, which announced that it would end its run in March after years anchoring the changing dining landscape there. The new incoming owners are Dave Abrams and Johnny Jeltema, who both previously spent time working under the Eastside Establishment umbrella. Jeltema is a hospitality consultant who worked at Covell and Hotel Covell, and Abrams a partner and operator at beer and chicken spot Crawfords.

The pair worked with current Park owner Josh Siegel on a planned transition that will see the restaurant close in March and reopen under a new name and guidance sometime in early summer. Though the name is still in the works, Jeltema tells Eater that the project should keep its neighborhood vibe, complete with “reasonable prices and genuine hospitality,” particularly on Dodger game days. More to come down the line.

In other news:

— Forbes says that Hollywood dining show Rock of Ages is going global as part of a new franchise model.

— LA Times talks vegan chile rellenos from the Tehuanita 2.0 truck in Echo Park.

— Jumbo Dim Sum House is opening soon at 808 W. 7th Street in the heart of Downtown LA, adjacent to the Financial District.

— The Kitchen at Descanso is the newest restaurant at the lush Descanso Gardens. Expect salads, sandwiches, and one of the most gorgeous settings for any LA restaurant.

— The Los Feliz Ledger circled back for a review of Blair’s in Silver Lake, noting that the place still fills a steady role for the neighborhood.

— Angeleno Wine Company is throwing a big wine party in far Chinatown on February 21, in conjunction with the LA Vintner’s Association.

— Top Chef is coming back, and the entire series (save for the finale) is filmed in and around Los Angeles. Check out the trailer below.